Welcome, Goldie Bloom Menzel

Hi friends, we wanted to share the details of Goldie’s premature birth. The delivery was a very intense experience, but we wanted to share the highs and the lows of this life-changing week.

Our little Goldie Bloom Menzel was born this Friday, July 10th at 12:40pm, 6 weeks before her due date.

Birth Story (Feel free to skip this part if you’re not a fan of medical stuff):

This isn’t an easy week/day for us to think about, it make us feel ill just going through the experience. But, we know that it is important to go through and if we don’t write it out now we will forget the details of the story.

On Monday July 6th I met my midwife at the hospital around noon, because I had been bleeding that morning. As she monitored me I started having mild contractions. I wasn’t dilated, but some blood tests showed that my body was producing an early labour hormone. I was admitted to the hospital right away. The contractions continued all week. I laid in bed hooked up to monitors as the pre-labour pains went up and down in intensity and frequency over the days. I only dilated 2cm over the week, and they decided to send me home since my contractions were fading. As soon as we got home they got stronger and closer together, but I tried my best to just breathe through them.

As soon as I got in bed for the night I noticed I was bleeding again, so we rushed back to the hospital. I was having strong contractions every 4 minutes. When we arrived I was 3cm dilated – not much progress, but they re-admitted me because I was so early. I finally received a shot of morphine and had the greatest couple hours of pain free sleep!

I continued to labour through the night and they were starting to plan an Emergency C-section. Then at about 10am it was time to start pushing. I pushed for a couple hours and not much was happening. They tried to break my water but realized that there were no membranes! Somewhere along the way the membranes had broken without us knowing. It was extremely discouraging to be pushing as hard as possible with every contraction, but hearing “Push harder! Push Harder!” I knew by everyones’ faces that nothing was happening.

Finally they started to see the head. The Dr began pulling on her and doing everything they could to get her out. Her head was very swollen, so forceps weren’t an option because they couldn’t even tell where her face was. She was stuck! The swelling had caused her stomach to be as wide as her body is long. It was a horrifying moment. The Dr was pulling on her head while two nurses were pushing my stomach trying to squeeze her out! Finally, I had the feeling of relief… until they laid her on my chest to cut the cord and realized her body was completely lifeless, silent & pulseless. They quickly cut the cord and began to revive her. The midwife and nurses, in an effort to distract me, immediately got me to start pushing the out the placenta – once again it was stuck! The cord ripped, creating a frantic and traumatizing scene that is very hard for David or myself to think about. Goldie was rushed out of the room and I was rushed to the OR for surgery. They needed to remove the bits of placenta with me unconscious.

While I was asleep they gave me two blood transfusions. Earlier in the day, doctors had noticed that my Hemoglobin was half of what is should be. This whole time, David sat in the room I delivered in while both Goldie and I were in critical condition. He got a chance to see Goldie briefly but only because the doctors needed to let him know that they were expecting she wouldn’t survive the next few hours. I was brought back to the room 4 hours later and saw David, my family, and learned that Goldie was alive, although in rough shape.

At this point we were all in a state of shock and I can’t really even remember what happened after that, other than waiting on updates about our baby. David went to the NICU to go see Goldie and disappeared for a long time. When he came back a few hours later, I learned that his body had gone into some type of shock due to the stress, and he was being cared for in emergency.

Over the next few days I continued to receive blood transfusions, because my blood count was still low and I couldn’t really function or process this situation. We had family around all the time and lots of care from the Dr’s and nurses to get me back to health and to let us know Goldie’s state.

Yesterday (Monday, July 13) my blood count was finally up and I was discharged. I am feeling more alive & present and we have been given a place to stay as a family at the Ronald McDonald House in the Hospital so that we can be just a hallway away from Goldie at all hours.

Goldie’s Condition:

We have had a lot of people ask if Goldie is sick because she came early, but it’s the opposite. My body knew that Goldie was very sick and that is why she came early. At some point in the last 14 weeks Goldie and my placenta became very sick. They don’t know why, how, or with what, but they both began to swell and Goldie’s body began filling with fluid everywhere. They don’t know her actual weight but she came out 6 weeks early looking heavier than a full term baby from all the swelling. This explains the major growth spurt I had this past month in pregnancy, and why I had absolutely zero energy.

There isn’t too much to explain about Goldie’s condition because it is all unknown. Every part of her body is being supported in someway, she is on a lot of medication to be kept somewhat paralyzed so that they can keep her lungs and heart going. The past couple days they have been very slowly letting up on different supports or medications and her body has remained stable, so that is a good sign. Her body is slowly leaking fluid everywhere, which is causing her swelling to go down. As they are easing up on the medication she has been able to start moving just slightly. It is so wonderful to see her move her toes when I touch her foot, or slightly suckle when they clean out her mouth. We’re celebrating the small victories, like her peeing for the first time yesterday, but still taking it hour by hour and know that things could turn around for better or worse at any moment. She has a lot of trauma to her body from delivery; stitches on her neck, cuts & bruises, a broken arm and a few other things.

We spend a lot of time visiting her room and just talking to her little body laying in the incubator. Every morning we go and listen to the daily report of the Doctors on what is going on, and what their daily goals are for her. The nurses tell us everything that they are doing, and let us do any small thing we can. Last night I got to clean her mouth with breast milk, and put lubricant in her eyes. It brings me so much joy! It’s been so encouraging see how much her medical team cares. Yesterday a nurse gave me a long hug because she was so excited to see that she had made some small progress… As I’m writing this David came back to the room to report that they received info back on the heart and may have had been overly optimistic of it’s stability, and we are still very much at the point of taking it moment to moment.

It’s been such a crazy, life-changing week already – one of those things where you never expect it to be you. You never think you’ll be the family with the sick baby or the crazy story. But we know that God has a plan, and are so encouraged by the amount of prayers, support, love and meals we have received from our families, friends, and community. We hope and pray for Goldie’s body every day and we long for the first time we get to hold her, hear her cry, and feel like a family together. We don’t have any feelings of “why us”, anger, regret, or confusion. We have peace knowing that God has this in his plan and already knows the number of days we will have with Goldie in our lives. Whether we have a lifetime with her, or one last night, we’ve had the blessing of seeing her little life, and God has completely changed ours.

I have admired your style, grace and poise through this pregnancy after stumbling on your insta and feel like a total weirdo feeling for you but I so admire your strength in writing this out. It’s so important to remember and even though I had a tiny blip in my delivery compared to what you are going through I don’t ever want to forget it. Goldie is so lucky to have you and your family and I will not stop thinking of you all. Many prayers and good vibes your way for all the peace possible. Xx Mariella

I have admired your style, grace and poise through this pregnancy after stumbling on your insta and feel like a total weirdo feeling for you but I so admire your strength in writing this out. It’s so important to remember and even though I had a tiny blip in my delivery compared to what you are going through I don’t ever want to forget it. Goldie is so lucky to have you and your family and I will not stop thinking of you all. Many prayers and good vibes your way for all the peace possible. Xx Mariella

I have admired your style, grace and poise through this pregnancy after stumbling on your insta and feel like a total weirdo feeling for you but I so admire your strength in writing this out. It’s so important to remember and even though I had a tiny blip in my delivery compared to what you are going through I don’t ever want to forget it. Goldie is so lucky to have you and your family and I will not stop thinking of you all. Many prayers and good vibes your way for all the peace possible. Xx Mariella

Darling I ardently admire your faith, and am so glad that God has gifted you with His precious peace. I am praying for you folks. I believe in God’s plan for you and your family; His is always best. xoxo

Oh Mama! I was exactly in your shoes two years ago….different circumstances but my appendix ruptured at 25 weeks and my second baby boy was born two weeks later at 27 weeks, weighing 2lbs and very sick. We lived in a RMH for three months and it was the season of trusting God giving it ALL to Him. Our God is a living and powerful God! I’m keeping you in my prayers and thoughts always. One day at a time. Nicu babies are fighters for sure and so are Nicu Mamas! XoxoLily

Oh Mama! I was exactly in your shoes two years ago….different circumstances but my appendix ruptured at 25 weeks and my second baby boy was born two weeks later at 27 weeks, weighing 2lbs and very sick. We lived in a RMH for three months and it was the season of trusting God giving it ALL to Him. Our God is a living and powerful God! I’m keeping you in my prayers and thoughts always. One day at a time. Nicu babies are fighters for sure and so are Nicu Mamas! XoxoLily

Oh Mama! I was exactly in your shoes two years ago….different circumstances but my appendix ruptured at 25 weeks and my second baby boy was born two weeks later at 27 weeks, weighing 2lbs and very sick. We lived in a RMH for three months and it was the season of trusting God giving it ALL to Him. Our God is a living and powerful God! I’m keeping you in my prayers and thoughts always. One day at a time. Nicu babies are fighters for sure and so are Nicu Mamas! XoxoLily

You seem like such a brave, strong and beautiful woman. How inspiring it is to read about you and your husband’s experience and faith in this situation. Will be thinking and praying for all of you as your sweet baby fights.

Bethany, I have been following your blog & instagram since you announced your pregnancy with Poppy! You are such a strong individual & mother, I know Goldie will be in the best of care & is so loved! Praying that Goldie and your family stay strong through this experience. Thinking of you all. xx

I was moved to tears reading this because it brought so many flashbacks of my own birth story. It was similar in many ways but also very different. All I want to really share with you now is that looking back all I can see is God’s abundant and limitless grace through that whole time. I don’t know how I was able to smile or talk or breathe or walk during those tough days with my daughter in the NICU. It was purely just God lavishing His grace on us and giving us JUST the right amount to make it through each and every day. Don’t lose heart. Praying for you and for little Goldie.– Randie Megan (thegraeflife on Instagram)

I was moved to tears reading this because it brought so many flashbacks of my own birth story. It was similar in many ways but also very different. All I want to really share with you now is that looking back all I can see is God’s abundant and limitless grace through that whole time. I don’t know how I was able to smile or talk or breathe or walk during those tough days with my daughter in the NICU. It was purely just God lavishing His grace on us and giving us JUST the right amount to make it through each and every day. Don’t lose heart. Praying for you and for little Goldie.– Randie Megan (thegraeflife on Instagram)

I was moved to tears reading this because it brought so many flashbacks of my own birth story. It was similar in many ways but also very different. All I want to really share with you now is that looking back all I can see is God’s abundant and limitless grace through that whole time. I don’t know how I was able to smile or talk or breathe or walk during those tough days with my daughter in the NICU. It was purely just God lavishing His grace on us and giving us JUST the right amount to make it through each and every day. Don’t lose heart. Praying for you and for little Goldie.– Randie Megan (thegraeflife on Instagram)

Bethany, I’m not sure if you remember me (Kiwi from camp!) but I saw this on Brian Hawkin’s facebook and over the years I’ve stumbled across your blog from time to time. You are such an incredible woman and I can’t imagine the journey you’re on right now. The love you have for Goldie is so evident and the power of prayer is clearly holding you right now. Know that there are prayers coming from Ontario. I pray you can feel God’s hand on your shoulder as you navigate the next few weeks. Much love! -Laura Mainland

Bethany, I’m not sure if you remember me (Kiwi from camp!) but I saw this on Brian Hawkin’s facebook and over the years I’ve stumbled across your blog from time to time. You are such an incredible woman and I can’t imagine the journey you’re on right now. The love you have for Goldie is so evident and the power of prayer is clearly holding you right now. Know that there are prayers coming from Ontario. I pray you can feel God’s hand on your shoulder as you navigate the next few weeks. Much love! -Laura Mainland

Bethany, I’m not sure if you remember me (Kiwi from camp!) but I saw this on Brian Hawkin’s facebook and over the years I’ve stumbled across your blog from time to time. You are such an incredible woman and I can’t imagine the journey you’re on right now. The love you have for Goldie is so evident and the power of prayer is clearly holding you right now. Know that there are prayers coming from Ontario. I pray you can feel God’s hand on your shoulder as you navigate the next few weeks. Much love! -Laura Mainland

Bethany, your story has brought me to tears and I’m reminded of our own similar experience with a preterm baby in life threatening condition. I’m so glad you’ve taken the time and had the courage to write this down. You will be thankful later that you did! Our daughter is now 10 and my brain has blocked out a lot of her first few weeks. Certain smells and hospital noises can quickly take me back there though.

My prayer for you is that you -continue to trust in the Lords plan for Goldie and your family-remember that He created her in his own image and He loves her even more than you do-accept help when it’s offered… No need to be a ‘super hero’ momma in these days that lie ahead. Let ‘the body’ be the body and allow God to use other people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. – don’t forget that God is far greater than what those monitors, charts and medical staff dictate

I don’t know you but I know your parents as we spend some time at camp each summer. I’ve been where you’re at and I’m more than willing to lend a listening ear if you need when we are there in a couple weeks.

I will continue to pray for Goldie and your family. Hugs to you. May the peace of our Father blanket you as you sleep and give you rest.

Bethany, your story has brought me to tears and I’m reminded of our own similar experience with a preterm baby in life threatening condition. I’m so glad you’ve taken the time and had the courage to write this down. You will be thankful later that you did! Our daughter is now 10 and my brain has blocked out a lot of her first few weeks. Certain smells and hospital noises can quickly take me back there though.

My prayer for you is that you -continue to trust in the Lords plan for Goldie and your family-remember that He created her in his own image and He loves her even more than you do-accept help when it’s offered… No need to be a ‘super hero’ momma in these days that lie ahead. Let ‘the body’ be the body and allow God to use other people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. – don’t forget that God is far greater than what those monitors, charts and medical staff dictate

I don’t know you but I know your parents as we spend some time at camp each summer. I’ve been where you’re at and I’m more than willing to lend a listening ear if you need when we are there in a couple weeks.

I will continue to pray for Goldie and your family. Hugs to you. May the peace of our Father blanket you as you sleep and give you rest.

Bethany, your story has brought me to tears and I’m reminded of our own similar experience with a preterm baby in life threatening condition. I’m so glad you’ve taken the time and had the courage to write this down. You will be thankful later that you did! Our daughter is now 10 and my brain has blocked out a lot of her first few weeks. Certain smells and hospital noises can quickly take me back there though.

My prayer for you is that you -continue to trust in the Lords plan for Goldie and your family-remember that He created her in his own image and He loves her even more than you do-accept help when it’s offered… No need to be a ‘super hero’ momma in these days that lie ahead. Let ‘the body’ be the body and allow God to use other people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. – don’t forget that God is far greater than what those monitors, charts and medical staff dictate

I don’t know you but I know your parents as we spend some time at camp each summer. I’ve been where you’re at and I’m more than willing to lend a listening ear if you need when we are there in a couple weeks.

I will continue to pray for Goldie and your family. Hugs to you. May the peace of our Father blanket you as you sleep and give you rest.

Bethany, Found your par through one of the brands we love too, and been following your IG since. Know that there are many prayers your way fromEvery corner of the earth. God is with you and always will be. We too had a preemie, and although different conditions , I remeber how difficult the early time is. God bless Goldie and you all. Praying for both of you to heal and endless happiness comeAfter this difficult time. Lots of love , Olya

I heard of your news a couple days ago and have just felt such sadness and heartache for you. So happy to see you both are relying on The Lord and His strength to carry you and sustain you. We are praying for you and your family, and especially little Goldie.

I’m crying right now because all 4 of our kids were born at 34-35 weeks and I know how hard it is. It’s so hard to see your little one in the hospital and not be able to take them home. But you are right, God does have a plan and does everything for a reason. I remember reading all the testimonies on the wall at the hospital and seeing stories of babies born at 20+ weeks and being perfectly normal as they grew up. Hang in there! They are stronger than we think and we have the best Doctor looking out for us 🙂

Goldie is such a beautiful and gracious name. Lifting you and your precious family up in prayer. Although His plan is mysterious, He is still The Great I Am, and our Hope and Healer. I admire the way you keep your composure and strengt during such a stressful time. Stay strong, Mama. xx

her name is just perfect. my heart aches so much in hearing your story. i deeply admire your faith. god is good and above all things, sweet goldie girl’s life is in his hands. praying for you and your family, bethany. // "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." matthew 10:29-31

her name is just perfect. my heart aches so much in hearing your story. i deeply admire your faith. god is good and above all things, sweet goldie girl’s life is in his hands. praying for you and your family, bethany. // "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." matthew 10:29-31

her name is just perfect. my heart aches so much in hearing your story. i deeply admire your faith. god is good and above all things, sweet goldie girl’s life is in his hands. praying for you and your family, bethany. // "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." matthew 10:29-31

Reading your story brings tears to our eyes. We are praying for you both and baby Goldie and that God gives her the strength and healing that she needs. Our son too spent time in the NICU at Surrey Memorial, and we are so thankful for the wonderful nurses and doctors that will be taking care of your little one there. They truly are a great team. Love sent from Natalie, Perry and Austin Harder.

Reading your story brings tears to our eyes. We are praying for you both and baby Goldie and that God gives her the strength and healing that she needs. Our son too spent time in the NICU at Surrey Memorial, and we are so thankful for the wonderful nurses and doctors that will be taking care of your little one there. They truly are a great team. Love sent from Natalie, Perry and Austin Harder.

Reading your story brings tears to our eyes. We are praying for you both and baby Goldie and that God gives her the strength and healing that she needs. Our son too spent time in the NICU at Surrey Memorial, and we are so thankful for the wonderful nurses and doctors that will be taking care of your little one there. They truly are a great team. Love sent from Natalie, Perry and Austin Harder.

You probably don’t remember me, but your (David’s) mom & I were very close friends when we both lived in the Vancouver area, before moving to Calgary. My prayers are with you and your sweet baby girl, Goldie.

Twenty-eight years ago, my own daughter-in-law was born in England at twenty-six weeks gestation. The nurse told her mother that her baby would die. Her grandfather prayed over all three of the babies in the critical care nursery; two of whom were born at only twenty-five weeks gestation. All three babies survived, praise the Lord! God is mighty! Your family will continue to be in my prayers.

You are one amazing mama! And so strong! Please know you and your babe are surrounded with so much love and we are sending all of our positive energy your way. You are all so much stronger than you think! Lots of love to your family and your amazing little miracle.

Praying for your sweet family! Thankful for the peace you are experiencing and we will continue to send our love and prayers to you. Thank you for the update. You are loved, treasured, and supported by many. Much love to you sweet Bethany and your dear family. Love, "Pastor" Leslie

I am friends with your mom and dad from our Richmond Alliance Church days. Thanks so much for sharing your story, especially at a time when you are still very much in the middle of the trauma. It brought tears to my eyes. On a smaller scale, I can relate to your story. My firstborn was very sick when she was born. After 19 years, I still remember the doctor and nurses delivering my daughter, announcing, "It’s a girl," and then racing out of the room with her. When my husband asked a remaining nurse if she was going to be okay, she took my hand, patted it, and said, "We can only hope for the best." It was not the birth story I had imagined. Seeing my daughter for the first time hooked up to machines while she lay in an incubator was shocking and walking out of that hospital empty-handed left me bereft. We were fortunate that God healed her tiny body and for that we have thankful hearts. As hard as that time was to go through, I carry with me some very precious memories of my daughter’s stay in the hospital. God has a way of giving us moments of joy and thanksgiving in the midst of all the crazy. He will provide those moments to you, too. I will continue to pray for Goldie as well as you, David, Poppy and the rest of your family. Holly Porra

I am friends with your mom and dad from our Richmond Alliance Church days. Thanks so much for sharing your story, especially at a time when you are still very much in the middle of the trauma. It brought tears to my eyes. On a smaller scale, I can relate to your story. My firstborn was very sick when she was born. After 19 years, I still remember the doctor and nurses delivering my daughter, announcing, "It’s a girl," and then racing out of the room with her. When my husband asked a remaining nurse if she was going to be okay, she took my hand, patted it, and said, "We can only hope for the best." It was not the birth story I had imagined. Seeing my daughter for the first time hooked up to machines while she lay in an incubator was shocking and walking out of that hospital empty-handed left me bereft. We were fortunate that God healed her tiny body and for that we have thankful hearts. As hard as that time was to go through, I carry with me some very precious memories of my daughter’s stay in the hospital. God has a way of giving us moments of joy and thanksgiving in the midst of all the crazy. He will provide those moments to you, too. I will continue to pray for Goldie as well as you, David, Poppy and the rest of your family. Holly Porra

I am friends with your mom and dad from our Richmond Alliance Church days. Thanks so much for sharing your story, especially at a time when you are still very much in the middle of the trauma. It brought tears to my eyes. On a smaller scale, I can relate to your story. My firstborn was very sick when she was born. After 19 years, I still remember the doctor and nurses delivering my daughter, announcing, "It’s a girl," and then racing out of the room with her. When my husband asked a remaining nurse if she was going to be okay, she took my hand, patted it, and said, "We can only hope for the best." It was not the birth story I had imagined. Seeing my daughter for the first time hooked up to machines while she lay in an incubator was shocking and walking out of that hospital empty-handed left me bereft. We were fortunate that God healed her tiny body and for that we have thankful hearts. As hard as that time was to go through, I carry with me some very precious memories of my daughter’s stay in the hospital. God has a way of giving us moments of joy and thanksgiving in the midst of all the crazy. He will provide those moments to you, too. I will continue to pray for Goldie as well as you, David, Poppy and the rest of your family. Holly Porra

Hi Bethany,I’ve been following your blog and Insta and I couldn’t help but feel so deeply for you and precious Goldie. I am a pediatric critical care nurse (and also a mama) and I’m sending you all the love, strength, and incredible resilience that I’ve witnessed in the families I’ve cared for. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Xx Jessica

Dear Bethany,I can’t imagine how hard that would have been for you to write. I am thinking of you and your family and praying for your precious Goldie all the time.Sending love, hugs, and prayersMelissa Hayden

Bethany, You and David are incredible. I will add Goldie to the top of my prayer list, as well as you both and Poppy. You are right, you never expect to "be that family," or to have something like this to occur. I have witness medical miracle after medical miracle with my oldest brother who has special needs. Goldie herself IS a medical miracle already. She is a strong little girl and even by the short amount of time she has been here on this great big, scary earth, she has proven that God is indeed real. I know we’ve never met and you’ve probably never seen my name; I follow you on IG and wanted to read your blog as I saw your photos. I am praying, sister. Stay strong, I am incredibly moved by your faith and peace in this situation.

Bethany, You and David are incredible. I will add Goldie to the top of my prayer list, as well as you both and Poppy. You are right, you never expect to "be that family," or to have something like this to occur. I have witness medical miracle after medical miracle with my oldest brother who has special needs. Goldie herself IS a medical miracle already. She is a strong little girl and even by the short amount of time she has been here on this great big, scary earth, she has proven that God is indeed real. I know we’ve never met and you’ve probably never seen my name; I follow you on IG and wanted to read your blog as I saw your photos. I am praying, sister. Stay strong, I am incredibly moved by your faith and peace in this situation.

Bethany, You and David are incredible. I will add Goldie to the top of my prayer list, as well as you both and Poppy. You are right, you never expect to "be that family," or to have something like this to occur. I have witness medical miracle after medical miracle with my oldest brother who has special needs. Goldie herself IS a medical miracle already. She is a strong little girl and even by the short amount of time she has been here on this great big, scary earth, she has proven that God is indeed real. I know we’ve never met and you’ve probably never seen my name; I follow you on IG and wanted to read your blog as I saw your photos. I am praying, sister. Stay strong, I am incredibly moved by your faith and peace in this situation.

Bethany, you sure have a beautiful way with words. I don’t know you personally but what I do know from reading your blog and especially this story, you are so elegant and beautiful inside and out. You and your family are in the hardest situation and yet you are so uplifting and positive. I admire you so much. Sending prayers and love to you and your family. I can tell Goldie is strong like her mama and will make it.

Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I too have our baby, first born, in the NICU. He came 4 weeks early and had a rough time. He had a hypoxic event and went without oxygen for a period of time. There was not a lot of blood in his umbilical cord when they cut it so they think that had something to do with it as well.

God has been a part of our sons recovery every step of the way and the power of prayer is an amazing thing! I too believe God can heal your baby girl. Stay strong and celebrate every small victory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”‭

Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I too have our baby, first born, in the NICU. He came 4 weeks early and had a rough time. He had a hypoxic event and went without oxygen for a period of time. There was not a lot of blood in his umbilical cord when they cut it so they think that had something to do with it as well.

God has been a part of our sons recovery every step of the way and the power of prayer is an amazing thing! I too believe God can heal your baby girl. Stay strong and celebrate every small victory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”‭

Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I too have our baby, first born, in the NICU. He came 4 weeks early and had a rough time. He had a hypoxic event and went without oxygen for a period of time. There was not a lot of blood in his umbilical cord when they cut it so they think that had something to do with it as well.

God has been a part of our sons recovery every step of the way and the power of prayer is an amazing thing! I too believe God can heal your baby girl. Stay strong and celebrate every small victory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”‭

Oh sweet family, we are praying for you! Thank you for being courageous and sharing your story. My middle son had some issues during pregnancy which caused swelling and I, too, thought I would deliver him early at 28 weeks. He was stubborn and stayed put and girl, my knees were worn out from praying! He was born at 40 weeks – I had to push while the drs practiced with a baby ambu bag in the corner. I had been so afraid he wouldn’t cry; oh how I remember that feeling. He had chest surgery a week later to correct some vessel issues that caused the problems in the first place and spent two weeks in NICU. Beeps, wires, sounds, vents. Babies next to us and all around us faring much better and much worse. There is only prayer. There is shared prayer because you become part of a select few warriors who understand the fear and grief and bravery of a parent of a sick child. Over and over and over I repeated Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" and had to realize that Andrew had already blessed us in his short life. God had a plan for his life from the moment he was created, it was beautiful. He came home after 2 weeks and I soaked up every single thing he did. I still do. And Andrew will be 13 in August.

Hang in there. God has a plan – and this will weave together for His good. For all four of you and every person Goldie touches. What a strong, brave girl you have there! We will continue to pray for you, so strongly.

Oh sweet family, we are praying for you! Thank you for being courageous and sharing your story. My middle son had some issues during pregnancy which caused swelling and I, too, thought I would deliver him early at 28 weeks. He was stubborn and stayed put and girl, my knees were worn out from praying! He was born at 40 weeks – I had to push while the drs practiced with a baby ambu bag in the corner. I had been so afraid he wouldn’t cry; oh how I remember that feeling. He had chest surgery a week later to correct some vessel issues that caused the problems in the first place and spent two weeks in NICU. Beeps, wires, sounds, vents. Babies next to us and all around us faring much better and much worse. There is only prayer. There is shared prayer because you become part of a select few warriors who understand the fear and grief and bravery of a parent of a sick child. Over and over and over I repeated Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" and had to realize that Andrew had already blessed us in his short life. God had a plan for his life from the moment he was created, it was beautiful. He came home after 2 weeks and I soaked up every single thing he did. I still do. And Andrew will be 13 in August.

Hang in there. God has a plan – and this will weave together for His good. For all four of you and every person Goldie touches. What a strong, brave girl you have there! We will continue to pray for you, so strongly.

Oh sweet family, we are praying for you! Thank you for being courageous and sharing your story. My middle son had some issues during pregnancy which caused swelling and I, too, thought I would deliver him early at 28 weeks. He was stubborn and stayed put and girl, my knees were worn out from praying! He was born at 40 weeks – I had to push while the drs practiced with a baby ambu bag in the corner. I had been so afraid he wouldn’t cry; oh how I remember that feeling. He had chest surgery a week later to correct some vessel issues that caused the problems in the first place and spent two weeks in NICU. Beeps, wires, sounds, vents. Babies next to us and all around us faring much better and much worse. There is only prayer. There is shared prayer because you become part of a select few warriors who understand the fear and grief and bravery of a parent of a sick child. Over and over and over I repeated Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" and had to realize that Andrew had already blessed us in his short life. God had a plan for his life from the moment he was created, it was beautiful. He came home after 2 weeks and I soaked up every single thing he did. I still do. And Andrew will be 13 in August.

Hang in there. God has a plan – and this will weave together for His good. For all four of you and every person Goldie touches. What a strong, brave girl you have there! We will continue to pray for you, so strongly.

Bethany, im writing to you from a very far, far away country… i follow you since 2 or 3 years now and this is the first time ive realize how strange, crazy and magical this blog life is: since you post your photo at the hospital i was so concerned about you and your little baby as i would have been of my bff. i woked up every morning thinking about you, wondering how everything was going and asking the universe to give you and your family love love love… but i knew something was wrong, and now i read this and all i can feel is this really strong desire to hug you, to be there with you and your lovely family, giving you all the help you could need. im glad to hear you are surrounded by family and friends and that you are living all this experience through your faith in God which makes you feel in peace, receiving and keeping deep in your heart/memories the little life signals of your dear Goldie, enjoying and respecting her time here, trusting in her life and her time. As i told you at the beggining, im really far away from you, in a place between the Pacific and the Andes. We dont speak the same language, we havent see each other faces and our lives are so different but we look at the same stars, the same miracle called Universe and we can relate each other through the most wonderful feeling: LOVE. Today i send you, David, Poppy and Goldie all my love and my best wishes. You are a beautiful family, may you stay together for ever an ever. ❤️

Bethany, im writing to you from a very far, far away country… i follow you since 2 or 3 years now and this is the first time ive realize how strange, crazy and magical this blog life is: since you post your photo at the hospital i was so concerned about you and your little baby as i would have been of my bff. i woked up every morning thinking about you, wondering how everything was going and asking the universe to give you and your family love love love… but i knew something was wrong, and now i read this and all i can feel is this really strong desire to hug you, to be there with you and your lovely family, giving you all the help you could need. im glad to hear you are surrounded by family and friends and that you are living all this experience through your faith in God which makes you feel in peace, receiving and keeping deep in your heart/memories the little life signals of your dear Goldie, enjoying and respecting her time here, trusting in her life and her time. As i told you at the beggining, im really far away from you, in a place between the Pacific and the Andes. We dont speak the same language, we havent see each other faces and our lives are so different but we look at the same stars, the same miracle called Universe and we can relate each other through the most wonderful feeling: LOVE. Today i send you, David, Poppy and Goldie all my love and my best wishes. You are a beautiful family, may you stay together for ever an ever. ❤️

Bethany, im writing to you from a very far, far away country… i follow you since 2 or 3 years now and this is the first time ive realize how strange, crazy and magical this blog life is: since you post your photo at the hospital i was so concerned about you and your little baby as i would have been of my bff. i woked up every morning thinking about you, wondering how everything was going and asking the universe to give you and your family love love love… but i knew something was wrong, and now i read this and all i can feel is this really strong desire to hug you, to be there with you and your lovely family, giving you all the help you could need. im glad to hear you are surrounded by family and friends and that you are living all this experience through your faith in God which makes you feel in peace, receiving and keeping deep in your heart/memories the little life signals of your dear Goldie, enjoying and respecting her time here, trusting in her life and her time. As i told you at the beggining, im really far away from you, in a place between the Pacific and the Andes. We dont speak the same language, we havent see each other faces and our lives are so different but we look at the same stars, the same miracle called Universe and we can relate each other through the most wonderful feeling: LOVE. Today i send you, David, Poppy and Goldie all my love and my best wishes. You are a beautiful family, may you stay together for ever an ever. ❤️

Dear Bethany,I wish I could give you a hug. I "met" you through Treasures and Travels about a year ago, after my little girl was born. It was an emergency c-section, my baby almost didn’t make it, and the two of us had a rough and complicated time for awhile. I stumbled on T&T in the months afterward while struggling with severe postpartum depression. Your blog never failed to brighten my day and after you left it, I followed your personal blog too. You and the other girls lent a lot of sunshine to me in my dark time and I just had to tell you I will be praying for you, David, Poppy, and especially little Goldie. I know a bit of what pain and fear and sorrow feel like as a mommy and my heart is with you. Keep holding onto our Lord tight. He won’t let you go. He never let me go.Love,Abby

Thank you for sharing your precious story. We believe in a miracle working God & I agree with you in letting Jesus provide His perfect plan for your dear sweet Goldie’s life!!We are agreeing with you in prayer dear Bethy, David, Shonna & Jason;Love, Gracie & family

Thank you for sharing your precious story. We believe in a miracle working God & I agree with you in letting Jesus provide His perfect plan for your dear sweet Goldie’s life!!We are agreeing with you in prayer dear Bethy, David, Shonna & Jason;Love, Gracie & family

Thank you for sharing your precious story. We believe in a miracle working God & I agree with you in letting Jesus provide His perfect plan for your dear sweet Goldie’s life!!We are agreeing with you in prayer dear Bethy, David, Shonna & Jason;Love, Gracie & family

It must have taking GREAT courage to share this story, so thank you for sharing your family’s story with your readers. I truly hope that Goldie gets better and healthy sooner than later. Prayers and good vibes will be sent your family’s way! We are rooting for Goldie!

Hey there, my name is Andrew. I do not know you, but I wanted to say, take heart! When I saw your photos I was reminded of a couple of photos of my mother with me in the hospital – tubes in my mouth and everything. I was born 6 and 1/2 weeks early and I had to go on a ventilator, respirator and incubator. My mom couldn’t hold me for over a week or so. She sometimes tells me it was a really difficult first couple of weeks. Again, I’ve not met you, but I want to let you know that I’m a completely healthy 30 year old grown up person – no allergies, lung problems, growth issues. I don’t even need glasses or braces!

Thanks for your vulnerability in your blog post. Reading it has given me more insight into my own mother’s journe with my birth. She doesn’t share much, but it must have been a hard start for her.

I wish your family much joy in life together. Congrats and peace to you.

Sending love and prayers your way. My baby was born not breathing and they didn’t know why. She wasn’t prem but was in nicu and cooled and on so many meds. I pray your beautiful Goldie will pull through like my Elsie did. God is bigger than her injuries and He is good.

Sending you, your family and Goldie especially love, thoughts and prayers. Our daughter was born with a condition which wasn’t picked up until she was 4 weeks and very ill, it was an extremely scary and stressful time but she pulled through, babies are so resilient. I remember another mum in the hospital, whose son was 8 but had come through a hard time as a baby and had repeat operations since, telling me that God knows who to send the special babies to, I think this is true. Chiara x

Thinking about you so much since I read this post yesterday. There is so much love heading your direction. Wishing you joy, peace, and a happy healthy baby girl to take home to her big sis. Love to you. xx

Thinking about you so much since I read this post yesterday. There is so much love heading your direction. Wishing you joy, peace, and a happy healthy baby girl to take home to her big sis. Love to you. xx

Thinking about you so much since I read this post yesterday. There is so much love heading your direction. Wishing you joy, peace, and a happy healthy baby girl to take home to her big sis. Love to you. xx

Hi Bethany. I’ve only met you once but I wanted to let you know that I’m praying for Goldie and your family. My daughter Poppy was also early and in the NICU at Surrey. Such a scary time. Glad you have your family and God to lean on.

Longtime follower on your Insagram but just now popping over to your blog. This post made me cry and I just wish you all nothing but support and love. I’ll be thinking of and praying for sweet little Goldie.

Longtime follower on your Insagram but just now popping over to your blog. This post made me cry and I just wish you all nothing but support and love. I’ll be thinking of and praying for sweet little Goldie.

Longtime follower on your Insagram but just now popping over to your blog. This post made me cry and I just wish you all nothing but support and love. I’ll be thinking of and praying for sweet little Goldie.

Although I don’t know you and I probably never will – it doesn’t really matter in times of the heart. I have been so touched by your story and hold your sweet family dearly in my thoughts. Praying for the best. Goldie Bloom is so loved!

You may never read this but in odd chance you do, my heart goes out to you and your family.

Please know, however, that a doctor pushing on your stomach in delivery is a old, misused, and dangerous practice and I’m appalled in happened in a hospital in BC. Broken bones in delivery are a sign that the doctors have done something wrong (I.e., Goldie Bloom should have been a section). I hope you will consider lodging a complaint at Surrey Memorial as it will help better the care of future deliveries there.

Sending love and prayers to your family! Seeing your smiles on your anniversary date photo on Instagram was completely admirable! What a beautiful and strong family who without a doubt will be able to get through anything they are faced with 💗💗 best of luck for little Goldy xx

I’m back again. I just commented a couple of days ago but I can’t stop thinking of you. How you’re handling this all with so much peace and grace is incredible. I just read your newest post and I’m in tears. I’m not religious, but I’m so glad that your faith is allowing you so much wonder and peace during this hard time. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m wishing you all the best, all the love, and all the wonder. xx

I’m back again. I just commented a couple of days ago but I can’t stop thinking of you. How you’re handling this all with so much peace and grace is incredible. I just read your newest post and I’m in tears. I’m not religious, but I’m so glad that your faith is allowing you so much wonder and peace during this hard time. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m wishing you all the best, all the love, and all the wonder. xx

I’m back again. I just commented a couple of days ago but I can’t stop thinking of you. How you’re handling this all with so much peace and grace is incredible. I just read your newest post and I’m in tears. I’m not religious, but I’m so glad that your faith is allowing you so much wonder and peace during this hard time. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m wishing you all the best, all the love, and all the wonder. xx

You are Amazing!Goldie is such a precious little girl, I follow you on Instagram but I’ve never read your blog until now and on the off chance you see this I want you to know im praying for you and your family – this would be the hardest thing to face and you are dealing with it in such a lovely way, sharing her precious little life with us and finding moments with her in all the chaos! I’m sure you are giving her the best care possible

im sending Goldie all the most positive vibes I can and hope with all of me she improves. X

Happened upon your blog via IG tonight and wanted to say my heart hurts for your family. I am a NICU nurse in AB (and a new mom ) and emphasize with the weight of the decisions you have ahead and the heartbreaking role of a mother with a sick baby. Stay strong and know your love is comforting her.